Origins and Development

The Turok franchise was conceived in 1997 by Iguana Entertainment, a developer known for its work on the Doom and Quake series. Led by David Hunke, the team set out to create a first-person shooter (FPS) game that combined the thrill of dinosaur hunting with the fast-paced action of their previous titles.

Gameplay and Features

At its core, Turok is a classic FPS with a focus on exploration, combat, and environmental puzzle-solving. The games feature a diverse arsenal of weapons, from primitive bows and arrows to futuristic energy rifles. Players must navigate through treacherous jungles, ancient ruins, and other environments while battling a variety of dinosaur species and other enemies.

Key features include:

Feature	Description
Dinosaur Hunting	Engage in intense battles with realistic dinosaur AI and detailed animations.
Diverse Environments	Explore lush jungles, volcanic caves, and ancient temples with captivating visuals.
Non-Linear Gameplay	Choose your own path through the levels, completing side quests and uncovering hidden secrets.
Multiplayer Modes	Engage in competitive and cooperative multiplayer matches with various game modes.

Main Games in the Franchise

Throughout its history, the Turok franchise has released several mainline games:

Turok: Dinosaur Hunter (1997)
Turok 2: Seeds of Evil (1998)
Turok 3: Shadow of Oblivion (2000)
Turok: Evolution (2002)
Turok (2008)
Turok: Escape from Lost Valley (2019)

Additional Spin-offs and Adaptations

In addition to the mainline games, the Turok franchise has also spawned spin-offs, comic books, and other adaptations:

Turok: Rage Wars (2006): A multiplayer-only game released for the Nintendo DS.
Turok: Son of Stone (2008): A prequel novel written by Alan Dean Foster.
Turok (2014): A mobile game released for iOS and Android.

Legacy and Impact

Turok has left a lasting impact on the FPS genre. Its innovative gameplay, detailed graphics, and compelling story helped establish it as a fan favorite. It was also one of the first games to feature realistic dinosaur models, setting a new standard for creature animation in video games.

Today, the Turok franchise continues to attract a dedicated fan base. Its classic games are widely regarded as some of the best FPS titles of their time, while the 2019 reboot has revitalized the series for a new generation of gamers.

Table of Contents

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is Turok based on a book series?
A: No, the Turok franchise is an original creation of Iguana Entertainment.

Q: Which Turok game is considered the best?
A: Turok 2: Seeds of Evil is generally regarded as the best game in the series, praised for its innovative gameplay, immersive environments, and memorable boss battles.

Q: Is there a Turok movie?
A: Yes, a Turok film was released in 2008, starring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. The film received mixed reviews from critics and audiences.

Q: Is the Turok franchise still active?
A: Yes, Nightdive Studios, the current owner of the Turok IP, has expressed interest in developing new games in the series.

References

Saber Interactive

Saber Interactive is an American video game developer and publisher headquartered in Minsk, Belarus, with additional studios in Saint Petersburg, Russia; Kyiv, Ukraine; and Novi Sad, Serbia. The company was founded in 2001 and has developed and published numerous award-winning titles, including the Halo series, World War Z, and Evil Dead: The Game.

Saber Interactive is known for its expertise in creating immersive and engaging gaming experiences, with a focus on action, adventure, and horror genres. The company boasts a team of experienced developers with a strong track record of delivering high-quality games.

In addition to its own development efforts, Saber Interactive also provides co-development and publishing services to other studios, offering support with various aspects of game production, including design, engineering, and marketing.

The Game Awards 2022

The Game Awards 2022, hosted by Geoff Keighley, honored the best video games of the year and featured a plethora of notable announcements and awards.

Winners

Game of the Year: Elden Ring
Best Game Direction: Elden Ring
Best Narrative: God of War Ragnarök
Best Art Direction: Elden Ring
Best Score and Music: God of War Ragnarök
Best Performance: Christopher Judge (as Kratos in God of War Ragnarök)

Announcements

Death Stranding 2: Hideo Kojima teased the sequel to his acclaimed 2019 action game.
Hades 2: Supergiant Games unveiled a sequel to their award-winning roguelike.
Diablo IV: Blizzard showcased new gameplay footage and announced a 2023 release date.
Crash Team Rumble: A team-based multiplayer game featuring characters from the Crash Bandicoot franchise.
Final Fantasy XVI: Square Enix revealed new story details and premiered an extended gameplay trailer.

Third-Person Shooter Trailer

An adrenaline-fueled, action-packed trailer showcases the intense third-person shooter gameplay experience. Witness high-stakes combat with fast-paced gunplay, explosive weaponry, and immersive environments. Experience the thrill of engaging enemies in strategic firefights, utilizing cover and a variety of weapons to outmaneuver your opponents. Prepare yourself for an exhilarating journey that will test your reflexes, decision-making, and teamwork abilities.

Third-Person Shooter Gameplay

In third-person shooter gameplay, the player controls a character from a behind-the-back perspective. The character’s actions, such as running, jumping, and shooting, are typically performed with a controller or keyboard and mouse.

Advantages:

Enhanced spatial awareness compared to first-person perspective.
Better visibility of the character and surrounding environment.
Allows for more dynamic and acrobatic movement.

Disadvantages:

Limited field of view, potentially hindering perception of threats.
Difficulty aiming precisely due to the offset between the camera and the character’s body.
Less immersive than first-person perspective.

Turok: Dinosaur Hunter Reboot Announced

Acclaimed shooter franchise Turok is getting a reboot.
The game will be developed by Ziggurat Interactive, who acquired the rights to the IP in 2022.
No release date or platforms have been announced yet, but the game is expected to offer a modern take on the classic dino-hunting experience.
The original Turok: Dinosaur Hunter was released in 1997 for the Nintendo 64 and PC.
The reboot has been met with cautious optimism by fans, who are eager to see the game return after a long hiatus.

Turok Reveal Trailer

The Turok reveal trailer showcases the return of the iconic first-person shooter franchise, featuring:

Visually Stunning Earth: Explore a lush and vibrant world rendered in stunning detail, filled with vibrant environments and diverse flora and fauna.
Modern Gameplay Mechanics: Experience updated gameplay systems, including enhanced movement and combat, offering a fast-paced and engaging experience.
Iconic Characters: Encounter familiar faces and new characters, each with their own distinct abilities and personalities, as they navigate the treacherous jungle.
Innovative Weapons: Wield an arsenal of futuristic weapons and gadgets, including a customizable Energy Bow, to overcome challenging enemies and overcome obstacles.
Epic Boss Battles: Engage in intense battles against colossal creatures, each with their own unique abilities and strategies, testing both your skills and wit.

Turok Development Update

Release Date: TBD

Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

Status: Pre-Alpha

Highlights:

Progress on the "Raptors" enemy AI, which features advanced pathfinding and procedural animation.
Updated character rigging and animations for improved movement and combat.
New "First Contact" level showcases Turok’s core gameplay elements: exploration, puzzle-solving, and intense action.
Implementation of various game systems, including weapon upgrades, inventory management, and dynamic lighting.
Ongoing development of Turok’s signature weapons, including the Cerebral Bore and the Fusion Cannon.

Third-Person Action Game

In a third-person action game, the player controls a character from a third-person perspective, usually behind the character’s shoulder. The game typically involves combat, stealth, and exploration elements, where the player navigates the environment, interacts with objects, and engages in battles with enemies. Players have a clear view of the character’s actions, movements, and surroundings, offering a more immersive and cinematic experience compared to first-person shooters. Notable third-person action games include the "Grand Theft Auto" series, "Assassin’s Creed" series, and "God of War" series.

Turok Release Date

The original Turok: Dinosaur Hunter was released on the Nintendo 64 on March 1, 1997, in North America and March 7, 1997, in Europe. The game was later ported to the PC in 1997 and to the Game Boy Color in 1998.

The Turok reboot was released on February 2, 2015, for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.

Turok Pre-Order

Pre-ordering Turok grants players exclusive access to the following bonuses:

Jurassic Pack: Includes the Stegosaurus Shotgun, Triceratops Assault Rifle, and Pterosaur Wingsuit.
Weapon Upgrade: Exclusive upgrade for the assault rifle, boosting damage and accuracy.
Character Skin: Unique skin for the main character, Turok.
Double XP Weekend: Gain double experience points for a limited time after launch.
In-Game Currency: A boost of in-game currency to purchase items and upgrades.

Xbox Series X Turok

Summary:

Currently, there is no official confirmation of a Turok game being developed or released for the Xbox Series X. The Turok franchise has not seen a new release since 2008, leaving fans eagerly anticipating its return. However, until any official announcements are made by the developers, any information regarding a Turok game for the Xbox Series X remains purely speculative.

PS5 Turok

There is no official information or announcement regarding a Turok game for the PlayStation 5 (PS5). The Turok franchise, which originally debuted on the Nintendo 64, has not seen a new entry in several years, and there has been no indication from its current owner, THQ Nordic, that a new game is in development for the PS5.

PC Turok

PC Turok is a first-person shooter video game developed by Acclaim Studios Austin and published by Acclaim Entertainment in 1999. The game is a port of the Nintendo 64 game Turok: Dinosaur Hunter, with some minor changes for the PC platform.

In the game, the player takes control of Turok, a Native American warrior who travels through a time portal to a parallel dimension called the Lost Land. The Lost Land is inhabited by a variety of dinosaurs and other creatures, as well as the Champion, who is the leader of the Lost Land’s inhabitants.

Turok must defeat the Champion and his minions in order to return to his own time. To do this, he must travel through a series of levels, collecting weapons and power-ups along the way. The game features a variety of weapons, including the Cerebral Bore, a gun that shoots explosive projectiles that can track enemies.

PC Turok was a critical and commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide. The game was praised for its graphics, gameplay, and weapons.